Supporting Career and Technical Education Students Facing Poverty Through Community Partnerships

• In Event: Marriott Roundtable Session 26
  In Roundtable Session: Career and Technical Education Roundtable 1

Abstract

Career and Technical Education (CTE) and community colleges play an important role in promoting the wellbeing and economic mobility of those facing poverty. This study examines the needs of adult learners facing poverty and how to better serve them with integrative and collaborative support systems. Utilizing a mixed methods, multi-phase study design, I conducted: (1) ethnographic fieldwork; (2) student needs assessments; and (3) focus groups with students and nonprofit agencies. Preliminary findings underscore the value of high-quality short-term programs for students based on their financial and career development needs. The study’s implications include the value of connecting students to important social services to improve retention and persistence in CTE and to help combat pronounced income disparities in the U.S.

Author

• Monique Corral, University of California - Los Angeles